Belize Braces for Hurricane

2 p.m., Oct. 8 -- A hurricane watch has been issued for the entire coast of Belize as Hurricane Iris heads towards Honduras and the Yucatan Peninsula, with winds reaching 140 m.p.h. The category 4 hurricane is expected to make landfall by evening and, with an anticipated storm surge of 18 feet and torrential downpour, carries the threat of flash flood and mud slides.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Iris, which whirled past Jamaica and the Dominican Republic over the weekend, gained intensity over the warm western Caribbean waters and is “extremely dangerous.”
Forecasters are keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Jerry, which is following in the heels of Iris and is currently bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to the eastern Caribbean.